After years of anticipation, the sequel has finally arrived: Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, the third film in the franchise, premiered in Brazilian theaters on November 13. The film marks the return of the beloved group of illusionists known as The Horsemen, who once again combine daring tricks with elaborate plans, always one step ahead of the law and the public.
This time, however, they are not alone. The plot introduces a new trio of magicians, extremely talented and as ambitious as the protagonists, who emerge to raise the stakes. With unprecedented skills and even more elaborate tricks, the group promises to transform the film into a duel of illusionism, full of twists, turns, and humor.
With new characters, new mysteries, and the same energy that won over fans, the third chapter arrives to rekindle the franchise’s charm and prove that magic, when done right, can still surprise everyone.
Previous films
It is important to remember that, since the first film, the group of illusionists formed by Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) has been directly linked to the enigmatic Eye, a secret society of magicians who operate in the shadows with the goal of promoting justice and balancing the flaws in the system, always using magic as their main weapon.
Throughout their journey, the Horsemen cross paths with FBI agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo), who initially appears as the main antagonist determined to capture them. Only later does the audience discover that Dylan is actually part of The Eye and acts as an ally to the illusionists, conducting everything behind the scenes.
Another important name in the plot is Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman), the famous debunker of magicians who spends much of the franchise trying to expose and take down the Horsemen. However, in one of the most striking twists in the story, he also reveals himself to be a member of The Eye, reinforcing the idea that, in this universe, nothing, and no one, is exactly what it seems.
In the second film, two events become fundamental to the events of this new sequel. The first is the arrival of Lula (Lizzy Caplan) to the group, a talented and charismatic illusionist chosen by The Eye to replace Henley, who decided to leave the Horsemen. Lula’s arrival changes the team’s dynamics and brings new possibilities for tricks and pairings within the team.
The second crucial moment is the film’s final trick, which will not only be honored in the new sequel, but also carries clues and elements that prove essential to the big twist in this third chapter. This direct connection to the past shows that the franchise continues to focus on intertwined narratives, keeping alive the sense of mystery and surprise that has captivated audiences from the beginning.
now you see me: now you don’t – The new movie
In the new film of the Now You See Me franchise, Now You Don’t, Daniel Atlas receives a letter from The Eye summoning him to a new mission, but this time alongside a completely new trio of young magicians: June (Ariana Greenblatt), Charlie (Justice Smith), and Bosco (Dominic Sessa). Together, they are tasked with carrying out one of the greatest feats ever planned by the organization: stealing a diamond heart, an extremely valuable jewel belonging to a family of billionaires who will stop at nothing to increase their fortune.
When the plan begins to spiral out of control and everything indicates that the mission will fail, three familiar faces return to reinforce the team: Henley Reeves, Merritt McKinney, and Jack Wilder. They show up to help the new group complete the trick, but something is different this time. The Eye’s instructions, once so straightforward, now seem more confusing and incomplete, raising suspicions. This forces the characters to revisit the organization’s past to try to understand the real goal behind this mission.
With so many uncertainties, the group ends up splitting up and the strategy needs to change completely. What was supposed to be a perfect heist, worthy of the greatest magic shows, quickly turns into an even riskier operation, involving an unexpected rescue and decisions that could alter the course of the magic trick itself.
What didn’t the trailers show?
The film’s production managed to keep not only two special appearances a secret, but also the story’s big plot twist. In addition to the return of the main cast from the first film, fans were surprised by the return of Lula and Dylan Rhodes, two characters essential to the franchise’s development.
Mark Ruffalo, who plays Dylan, has a brief but extremely significant appearance. He only appears in the final scene, in a moment that serves as a direct hook for the fourth film, which has already been confirmed. His appearance, although short, reopens important doors within the mythology of the franchise and raises new questions about the character’s role within The Eye.
Lizzy Caplan’s return to the cast is more significant for this film. Her character does not appear from the beginning, but when she does, halfway through the film, she plays an important role in the events of the plot. Her presence complements the new generation of magicians and adds a different energy to the group, contributing both to the humor and the dynamics of the tricks.
our thoughts on the new movie
The new film in the Now You See Me franchise, Now You Don’t, is well worth watching, both for longtime fans and those who are new to this universe. Like the previous productions, the film delivers visually impressive magic tricks, twists that really take the audience by surprise, and well-balanced comedic moments that guarantee laughter without breaking the rhythm of the story.
The chemistry between the characters remains one of the franchise’s strongest points. Each interaction feels natural, fun, and full of personality. There is also a balance between nostalgia, with the return of familiar faces, and novelty, thanks to the new generation of magicians who arrive to renew the plot.
Ultimately, it is a production that respects what came before, expands the universe without exaggeration, and still leaves you wanting more for the future of the saga.
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The article above was edited by Maria Clara Polcan.
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